Itanagar: Environmental activist Bhanu Tatak from Arunachal Pradesh was prevented from boarding a flight to Ireland at Delhi airport on Sunday after immigration authorities acted on a lookout circular (LOC) issued by the state police.
Arunachal Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Chukhu Apa confirmed the circular but declined to share further details.
He said Tatak faces “10 to 12 cases” relating to protests, including allegations of inciting violence, leading mobs, and encouraging demonstrators to physically confront a cabinet minister.
Tatak, who serves as the legal advisor to the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), has been at the forefront of opposition to the proposed 11,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
She was scheduled to begin a three-month academic programme at Dublin City University on September 9.
The Youth Congress criticised the move, claiming Tatak was given no prior notice and discovered the travel restriction only at the airport.
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In a statement, the organisation alleged that the action was an attempt to stifle dissent against “dubious” government projects.
Calling the decision “arbitrary and condemnable,” the Youth Congress argued that the SUMP, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the state, could have serious implications for local communities and the environment.
“We live in a democracy where individual rights must be respected. Mischievous attempts to silence dissent will not succeed,” said Tai David, the Youth Congress general secretary.
The group demanded that Tatak’s rights be restored immediately.
